May 19, 2021 A New Song

As I was singing the song for the appeal for people to give their hearts to Jesus, I realized the song was for me, Celina reflected. I’ve sung solos many times, but this time was different. The words became so personal, so relevant to my life. I could feel the Holy Spirit calling me to make a full commitment to the Lord in baptism.

Celina is a high school student and an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist church choir in a Muslim majority country. Since her childhood, she felt a calling to actively participate in church activities and use her talents for God. Over time, she realized that singing was her special talent that she could use most effectively for serving God, so she joined the church choir to give praise to God. 

I’ve had the opportunity to sing at many worship and evangelistic meetings, said Celina. I’ve even been able to sing with the choir and sing solo as well, especially for appeals for baptism. So, I know the sermons, I’ve heard all the presentations. But even though I grew up learning about God, and I loved Jesus, there was still an internal struggle. There was a struggle about really making a full commitment in baptism.

I think for a long time, I was indecisive. Sometimes I thought that I might miss out on some life experiences or adventures as a young adult if I fully surrendered my life to God. I have seen that in my country it is not easy to be a Christian, and many people have a hard time in their families and communities because of their faith. I’ve seen the challenges it’s put on my own family. I struggled with a lot of thoughts and really wasn’t totally able to make up my mind. The decision just sat, dormant, unresolved.

Many times, throughout this pandemic time, Celina and her choir were asked to sing for online worship and evangelism series. I felt blessed to be a part of these online sessions, said Celina, and I was really interested when the speakers talked about the Total Member Involvement and I Will Go themes.

Something was different when I participated with the online series. The messages really inspired me in a way other messages hadn’t before. It was like the vision of Isaiah, except that I felt like God was asking me, personally, ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?’ (Isaiah 6:8). I had to face the indecision of my heart, and I had to face the void I was feeling because of it. I knew it was God calling me. I had to respond to Him and make a 100% commitment. As I surrendered my life to the Lord, I felt a real transformation taking place in my heart.

Immediately after her solo, Celina talked with her choir director, asking to be baptized. She began to preparing for baptism with Bible studies. This was her next big step in her walk with the Lord, and she believed that God would continue to work through her music ministry even more powerfully.

I feel a deep sense of peace now, where the struggle used to be. I’ve found the purpose and direction I’ve really been looking for. It wasn’t in searching and trying to figure life out on my own, God has been guiding me all along. And now I can see that His plans are greater than anything I could ever aim for in my life. My life has been totally transformed and changed through the power and grace of Jesus! Celina continues, My friends and neighbors can see a difference in my life. Whenever someone asks me about why I seem so happy, I’m excited to share about how Jesus has been changing my life.

Celina is now actively studying the Bible and preparing herself to be baptized soon after completion of the Bible study series.  Praise God for this wonderful testimony! Will you pray that He will continue to use Celina mightily as a living witness for Him? Truly God has given her a new song!

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in Him. Psalm 40:3

QHM’s international partners in Muslim majority countries are continuing to spread the gospel via online and physical worship meetings, community services like food distribution and even small clinics. For those attending the worship services, we’re providing local-language Bibles to those who want to study more about Jesus. There is a great response as people are hungering and searching for hope in this time of global crisis.

Will you continue to pray for those seeking truth in Muslim majority countries?

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